Rising Stars in Mathematics Recognised at Annual SAMF Awards

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) celebrated the nation’s top mathematics learners at its annual awards ceremony today, held at the Protea Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. The Foundation recognised outstanding achievements from learners across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels who excelled in SAMF’s national competitions this year. 

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the overall winner of the Old Mutual South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) for high school learners. Moied Baleg, a Grade 12 learner at The Settlers High School in the Western Cape was selected among the top 115 grades 10-12 contestants in the country and received the prestigious gold Dirk van Rooy medal. The Top Performing School Award went to Bishops Diocesan College in the Western Cape. 

Equally celebrated were the achievements in the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) for primary school learners, sponsored by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Ivy Williams, who is in Grade 7 at Sweet Valley Primary School in the Western Cape was selected among the top 271 grades 6-7 contestants in the country and received the gold Alwyn Olivier medal as the overall winner of the Challenge. The Top Performing School Award was presented to Sweet Valley Primary School in the Western Cape. 

The awards for the Standard Bank South African Tertiary Mathematics Olympiad (SATMO) recognised exceptional university-level achievement. Noah Jacobsen (a second-year student) at the University of Cape Town, Aidan Conradie (a second-year student) and Benjamin Kleyn (a third-year student) both from Stellenbosch University walked away as the top performing undergraduate students, while Jaedon Naidu from the University of KwaZulu-Natal were crowned as the best honours student. Stellenbosch University was the best performing institution for the fifth consecutive year. 

Another note-worthy achievement was those of the teams who won the ASSA South African Mathematics Team Competition (SAMTC), sponsored by the Actuarial Society of South Africa. In the Junior Division, the Boland 1 team claimed first place. In the Senior Division, the honours went to Western Province 1. The respective team captains received the awards on behalf of their teams. 

The ceremony also honoured long-standing contributors to SAMF. Dr Liam Baker from Stellenbosch University received the Long-Service SAMO award for his dedicated service, reflecting the Foundation’s appreciation of individuals whose expertise and commitment have supported mathematics education in South Africa for many years. 

Jivana Bisetty, a Grade 4 learner, from Crawford International School in La Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal has made history yesterday. To the best of our knowledge, she is the first blind learner ever to be among the Top 10 in the history of the South African Mathematics Challenge. When asked, “If you had a magic calculator, what amazing thing would you want it to do?”, Jivana said: “A braille display with refreshable braille lines — and the buttons should also be in braille.” Her imagination reminds us that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. 

Another noteworthy achievement is that of Rebotile Ramalebana, a Grade 5 learner at Maijane Primary School in Limpopo. It has been many years since a learner from this province stood amongst the top 10 in the South African Mathematics Challenge. “This is testament to the impact of our teacher empowerment programmes.  Seeing a learner from one of those teachers get this far, make us extremely proud”, explains Patrick Rasehwete, the SAMC’s project manager. 

Prof Seithuti Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF, said: “Today we celebrate not only the talent and hard work of our young mathematicians but also the teachers, families, and sponsors who support them. Their dedication inspires excellence and strengthens the culture of mathematics education across our country. The achievements we have recognised today show the bright future ahead for South Africa in mathematics, science, and innovation.” 

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